Salvationist - March 2017

10 Ways to Revive a Dying Corps

Boundless Vancouver: A Covenanted Community

HIV-AIDS Advocate Touches Lives in Zimbabwe

THE VOICE OF THE ARMY

March 2017

Sing a New Song Meet the Canadian Staff Songsters

Salvationist.ca

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CONTENTS

Salvationist March 2017 • Volume 12, Number 3

18

Ke e p Connected

Ke e p Connected

Salvationist February 2017

Departments

Faith & Friends February 2017

This Month:

This Month: • Marcia Farrell was looking for a church home and found more than she ever imagined at The Salvation Army.

• Can The Birth of a Nation bear the scandal of the director’s history?

Out of Syria The Salvation Army provides practical support for refugees in Germany.

• Marriage is like a bank account, says Phil Callaway. The more deposits you make, the richer your union will be.

• The Salvation Army’s Manna Café offers more than a meal.

• And more ...

• And more ...

Love in a Thrift Shop The Salvation Army helped Dave Crockett rebuild his life and restore his faith, but there was more in store.

5 Frontlines

Trading Up Behind every “Others” product is a unique story of dignity.

The Whole World Mobilising—Go Forward!

Island of Hope In the aftermath of civil war and a deadly tsunami, The Salvation Army is helping Sri Lanka heal.

Commissioner Rosalie Peddle explains The Salvation Army’s new international campaign to unite Salvationists.

Just for Kids February 2017

This Month:

Hi kids!

Every year, people in The Salvation Army—adults and kids—save money to help people in other countries. This fundraiser is called Partners in Mission.

16 Calling the Courageous

February marks the beginning of the Partners in Mission campaign to support the work of the Army around the world.

Visit Salvationist.ca for creative fundraising ideas from across the territory, and share what your corps is doing in the comments section.

The Missing Piece

by Ken Ramstead

30 Salvation Stories North of 60

by Eileen J. Wilson

Columns

Features 8 Gospel Singers New Canadian Staff Songsters will lead territory in vocal ministry.

by Kristin Ostensen

4 Editorial

12 The Boundless Kingdom

Fill the World With Music

by Geoff Moulton

A church plant in Vancouver seeks to follow Jesus together.

by Giselle Randall

22 #Trending The Circle and the Cross

by Captain Mark Braye

23 Herstory Under Stormy Skies

by Lieutenant Kristen Jackson-Dockeray

29 Troublesome Texts The Impact of John the Baptist

by General Bramwell H. Tillsley (Rtd)

In this issue of Just for Kids, you’ll read about what The Salvation Army is doing to help people in Sri Lanka. The Army has homes in Sri Lanka for children who are orphans. Without the Army, they would have nowhere to live.

Ask your corps officer or Sunday school teacher about how you can get involved with Partners in Mission.

Your friend, Kristin

Join the J4K Birthday Club

Just for Kids wants to wish YOU a Happy Birthday! Join our birthday club and get a message on your special day.

Fill in the coupon below and mail it to Just for Kids, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, ON, Canada M4H 1P4. Or you can e-mail justforkids@can.salvationarmy.org.

Name: ����������������������������������������������� Corps/church attending: ��������������� Birth date: ����������� month/day/ year

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Partners in Mission

A

Sri Lanka

t the tip of India is a tear-shaped island called Sri Lanka. It is a warm and beautiful country. But in 2004 a large earthquake in the Indian Ocean created a terrible wave (a tsunami) that washed over the island.

Thousands of people died or were injured. Now there are many orphans and people in need.

The Salvation Army has helped many people who were affected by the earthquake. There are 44 Army churches (corps) in Sri Lanka. The Salvation Army also has 11 homes and daycare centres for children.

The Army in Canada and Bermuda has a children’s sponsorship program called Brighter Futures. This program helps boys and girls like you. It provides a home, clothes, nutritious food, clean water and education for many children.

Nilan’s Story Nilan was left with The Salvation Army in Sri Lanka when he was

ISSUE

5

• Get involved with the Partners in Mission campaign.

• Celebrate Valentine’s Day.

five weeks old. He was taken to the Army’s baby and toddler centre and now lives at the Rajagiriya Boys’ Home. Nilan attends school and is doing well. The first few days were difficult for him, but now he calls Rajagiriya “home” and the other boys his “brothers.” They are Nilan’s family, and the Brighter Futures sponsorship program helps Nilan live there with his brothers and be well looked after.

Nilan says he is grateful for all the people of The Salvation Army who love and support him.

• Learn what it means to be a “cheerful giver.”

• Find out what snow can teach us about being a Christian.

• Plus stories, puzzles, colouring, jokes and more!

Keep Connected

24 Cross Culture 26 People & Places

Many boys and girls do not have enough food, clothing or money for education.

The money we raise through Partners in Mission helps children and adults in need.

Visit Salvationist.ca

14 Situation Critical 10 ways to revive a dying corps.

by Captain Scott Strissel

17 What’s Your Story?

The strategic priority of sharing the gospel with the “nones” and “dones.”

by Major Doug Binner

18 Living Positively Diagnosed as HIV-positive more than 20 years ago, Mavis Moyo has turned her illness into an opportunity by speaking out.

by Lt-Colonel Wanda Vincent

20 Freedom Fighter Major Danielle Strickland tackles trafficking in the U.S.A. Western Territory.

Interview by Kristin Ostensen

Want to highlight Army ministry at your worship meetings? Take advantage of our “Keep Connected” promotional materials. They include PowerPoint slides for on-screen announcements and bulletin inserts that summarize all the great articles in Salvationist, Faith & Friends, Foi & Vie (French version of Faith & Friends) and Just for Kids.

Download the materials at salvationist.ca/editorial/ promotional-material or write to ada_leung@can. salvationarmy.org.

Cover photo: Mark Yan

Read and share it!

Without a Parachute

FREE-FALLING P.8

What’s in a Name?

BUMPA! P.27

Are You a Slave

TO FASHION? P.30

Faith&Friends I N S P I R AT I O N F O R L I V I N G

faithandfriends.ca

MARCH 2017

The Shack NEW MOVIE IM AG INES A WEEKEND WITH G OD P.16

21 Lessons From the Bay 30

Sharing Jesus can take you to unusual places—even to the deck of a lobster boat.

by Major Chris Rideout Salvationist March 2017 3

EDITORIAL

Fill the World With Music

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hy do we sing so much in the church? Music is the universal language, it raises our endorphin levels and it’s generally pleasing to the ear—unless you’re sitting beside me.

But beyond the pleasure we derive from music, there are some important spiritual reasons for raising our voices in song.

Singing helps us praise.

When we sing, we pay tribute to God’s greatness and faithfulness. In dozens of verses, the Bible instructs us to sing our praises. For example, Psalm 96 urges, “ Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth!

Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.”

Sometimes we can be less than enthusiastic in our worship, but God deserves every ounce of praise we can muster.

It is our offering to him. What’s even more amazing is that God cares enough to desire our praise. We are made for praising him through song.

Singing helps us pray.

It opens us to hear God’s voice. It connects our head with our heart. Martin Luther wrote, “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure … Whether you wish to comfort the sad, to subdue frivolity, to encourage the

Salvationist

is a monthly publication of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory André Cox General Commissioner Susan McMillan Territorial Commander Lt-Colonel Jim Champ Secretary for Communications Geoff Moulton Editor-in-Chief Giselle Randall Features Editor (416-467-3185) Pamela Richardson News Editor, Production Co-ordinator, Copy Editor (416-422-6112) Kristin Ostensen Associate Editor and Staff Writer 4 March 2017 Salvationist

despairing, to humble the proud, to calm the passionate or to appease those full of hate … what more effective means than music could you find?”

Singing helps us proclaim.

Vocal music is our sung theology—it succinctly explains the essence of our faith.

It’s how we teach one another. It is also a method of witnessing to those around us. When we sing, we let the world know of our love for Jesus.

Music is an integral part of Salvation Army worship and ministry, which is why the Canada and Bermuda Territory has recently formed and commissioned the Canadian Staff Songsters. Our associate editor, Kristin Ostensen, met with Staff Songster Leader Major Len Ballantine and the vocalists to find out what motivates them (page 8).

Elsewhere in this issue of Salvationist, you’ll meet a radical corps plant in Vancouver called Boundless, whose mission it is to build community among the marginalized in that city (page 12). You’ll also read of Salvationist Mavis Moyo, whose advocacy for people living with HIV-AIDS in Zimbabwe is helping end the stigma (page 18). And you may want to check your corps’ pulse with Captain Scott Strissel; if your congregation

Timothy Cheng Senior Graphic Designer Brandon Laird Design and Media Specialist Ada Leung Circulation Co-ordinator Ken Ramstead Contributor Agreement No. 40064794, ISSN 1718-5769.

Member, The Canadian Church Press. All Scripture references from the Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV) © 2011.

All articles are copyright The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory and can be reprinted only with written permission.

is ailing, he has a prescription (page 14).

One sign of church health is the quality of our worship. So next Sunday, consider the words of the songs you are singing. Sing your praises heartily, sing your prayers sincerely and proclaim the gospel in song. Let’s fill the world with music to praise his name.

GEOFF MOULTON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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Mission

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world. Salvationist informs readers about the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda. salvationist.ca facebook.com/salvationistmagazine twitter.com/salvationist youtube.com/salvationistmagazine instagram.com/salvationistmagazine

FRONTLINES

Salvation Army Launches The Whole World Mobilising

Photos: Colin Bowdery

with 12 people,” the General said. “We have 1.2 million soldiers! It’s incredible to think what we can achieve, powered by the Holy Spirit.”

The launch itself was outreachfocused, with IHQ staff members distributing hot chocolate, and a brass band playing outside before and after the meeting.

The Whole World Mobilising is for every person linked with The Salvation Army. For more information go to mobilising.salvationarmy.org. The site has resources, prayer materials, a Mobilising blog and daily Bible readings.

The initiative also includes a mobile phone app.

General André Cox introduces The Whole World Mobilising at a kick-off event at International Headquarters

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his January, The Salvation Army launched an international initiative to encourage and enable Salvationists and friends to engage more closely with their communities.

Called The Whole World Mobilising, the program follows in the footsteps of the international prayer and Bible reading programs that were linked to the Boundless international congress in 2015. Speaking at the launch event at International Headquarters (IHQ),

General André Cox said that, in a way, the Mobilising initiative is the legacy of the congress, which emphasized the urgency of being mobilized.

“We need to get out and rediscover our mission,” said the General.

He emphasized the importance of The Salvation Army’s two-fold mission to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in his name without discrimination.

“Jesus turned the world upside down

Jane Dobbs offers passersby a warm drink at the launch event

A New Twist on Pub Ministry in Peterborough

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eople experiencing homelessness in Peterborough, Ont., may receive a warm pair of socks thanks to a benefit concert organized by Cadet Andrew Benson and The Joyful Project, a fair-trade clothing company.

The concert, which featured three bands, was held in December at The Spill, a coffee bar. “The venue wasn’t ‘Christian’ and the bands weren’t ‘Christian,’ ” explains Cadet Benson. “It’s about meeting people on their own turf in a setting that is familiar to them. It has been amazing to see what can happen and the relationship-building that takes place and the deep level of conversation.”

Along with ticket sales, organizers asked attendees to bring socks to the event.

“Young people are extremely interested in engaging in social action and what better organization to build that bridge than The Salvation Army,” says Cadet Benson. He hopes this new form of “pub ministry” will not only encourage interest

in social justice issues, but also in faith and Christianity.

Cadet Benson is planning to hold a similar event in Winnipeg where he is currently at the College for Officer Training.

Watch a video of highlights from the event at youtu.be/b3wJnBa6b7g

Salvationist March 2017 5

FRONTLINES

Kettle Campaign Raises Over $23 Million

Thrift Stores Support Kettle Campaign

The 2016 kettle campaign exceeded its goal by more than $2.5 million

T

he Salvation Army in Canada set a new record with the 2016 Christmas kettle campaign, raising more than $23.5 million—well beyond the campaign’s $21-million goal.

“We are truly grateful for the continued support of our donors, volunteers and community partners, who enable us to help 1.9 million struggling Canadians during the Christmas season and throughout the year,” says Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander.

Hosted at more than 2,000 locations across Canada, the annual Christmas kettle campaign is the Army’s largest fundraising drive of the year and would

not be possible without the thousands of kettle workers who volunteer their time.

The Salvation Army’s success during its Christmas kettle campaign also comes from the support of various corporate partners who allow Christmas kettles to be placed at their stores each year.

“Without our corporate supporters, The Salvation Army’s Christmas kettle campaign would not be successful,” says Commissioner McMillan. “Their support helps us not only to raise awareness of our programs and services but also to extend our reach to the thousands of vulnerable people who rely on us every day for hope and help.”

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alvation Army thrift stores across the country were generous supporters of the Christmas kettles in 2016 with record-breaking donations to their GoodWorks@Work campaign. Guests at 108 National Recycling Operations (NRO) locations donated $225,649 to the kettles, surpassing the goal set by NRO by over $60,000.

“This has been an incredible year for our GoodWorks@Work initiatives, with Christmas kettles leaving us inspired to aim even higher for 2017,” says Michele Walker, national retail operations manager. “All the funds raised through our campaigns are not only a reflection of the kindness of our guests, but also how strongly they believe in the work of The Salvation Army.”

Christmas kettles are one of several GoodWorks@Work campaigns that NRO implements throughout the year, providing support to Army programs and emergency relief services.

Time to Be Holy Program Challenges Salvationists

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our years since its launch in the Ontario Great Lakes Division, the Time to be Holy program (TTBH) continues to grow and bear fruit.

TTBH is an intensive time of teaching, worship, prayer and evangelism where young people are challenged to go deeper in their relationship with God. Delegates have an opportunity not only to learn and understand doctrine but also to put it into practice through acts of service and evangelism.

The program originated at the International College for Officers in 2010 when 20 delegates from around the world came together to study biblical foundations of holiness, as well as a Salvation Army understanding of holiness and how it is lived out. The Ontario Great Lakes divisional youth department partnered with St. Thomas Corps and Major Mark Hall, then corps officer, to plan and execute the first TTBH event in the division.

Since its launch, approximately 80 young people have gone through the program. “As a result, the division has seen soldiers enrolled, more active and engaged youth in local corps, and an increased responsiveness to the Lord’s leading in individual 6 March 2017 Salvationist

lives,” says Major Jennifer Hale, divisional youth secretary, Ontario Great Lakes Division.

Young people dedicate themselves to a life of holiness at the fourth Time to Be Holy weekend, held in December

FRONTLINES

ommissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander, visited Haiti in January to see The Salvation Army’s response to the widespread devastation caused by a massive earthquake in 2010. Approximately 3.5 million people were affected by the disaster and 230,000 died, while more than 165,000 buildings were damaged and 105,000 were destroyed.

With almost seven decades of service in Haiti, The Salvation Army was uniquely positioned to provide immediate assistance and meaningful support during the recovery phase. This year marks the completion of the CPO164 Integrated Family Mjr Brenda Murray, Commissioner Susan McMillan and Manjita Biswas meet with a beneficiary of Support Project, a $3.6-million multi- the Army’s livelihood training program pronged program funded by Canadian donors and administered by the Canada and Bermuda Territory’s and extended families. The Army’s community action teams world missions department. identified 213 vulnerable families and built permanent housing “It was a privilege to partner with our Haitian colleagues for them—houses that are earthquake-proof and hurricaneand provide vital support, encouragement and hope to those resistant. Another 900 beneficiaries, most of whom were women, most affected by the earthquake,” says Major Brenda Murray, participated in the Army’s livelihood micro-credit business director of world missions. program, which provided a US$100 loan to start or expand Commissioner McMillan, along with Major Murray and community-based businesses. A further 1,100 individuals Manjita Biswas, program director for overseas projects, travelled participated in the agri-business program, which provided to Haiti to participate in the CPO164 celebration and project training for Haitians wanting to start a small agriculture busiconclusion ceremony. The group also met with beneficiaries ness. A fourth program enabled 1,200 young people to receive who received housing and livelihood training, as well as children vocational training. attending Salvation Army-operated schools.

At the project conclusion ceremony, Commissioner Mark Over the course of seven years, CPO164 provided direct Tillsley, territorial commander, Caribbean Territory, said, “These support to 3,400 beneficiaries, along with their immediate multi-year projects are very complex and difficult to complete.

Thanks to the people of Canada for making this happen.”

In her concluding remarks, Commissioner McMillan thanked the people of Haiti for their grace and strength in times of great difficulty, and expressed appreciation to Canadians for In April 2016, the scope of TTBH expanded and the first their ongoing faith and support in the work of The Salvation event for officers was held in Guelph, Ont. Fifty-five officers Army. gathered to pray, worship and receive teaching from General Bramwell H. Tillsley (Rtd) and Colonel Mark Tillsley, then chief secretary, as well as Majors David and Beth Pearo, pastoral services officers.

The program expanded again in November 2016 when TTBH Kids was held at Jackson’s Point Camp, Ont., drawing 25 children aged 10 to 12.

TTBH delegates have also had the opportunity to be part of three Time to Serve experiences. An extension of TTBH, Time to Serve gives participants an opportunity to practise holiness in a new context. Previous Time to Serve events have involved visits to Salvation Army ministries in New York City and the Bahamas. In November, Time to Serve participants were part of the faculty for TTBH Kids, passing on what they had learned by attending TTBH themselves.

“Those who attended these programs have found a renewed purpose in their living and are more sensitive to the needs in the world around them,” says Major Hale. “Because of TTBH, Commissioner McMillan meets children who attend a Salvation Army there are more children, youth and adults who have been called school in Haiti and inspired to win the world for Jesus.”

Salvationist March 2017 7

Photos: Major John Murray

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Seven-Year Haiti Project Now Complete

The Canadian Staff Songsters at Roy Thomson Hall

8 March 2017 Salvationist

Gospel Singers New Canadian Staff Songsters will lead territory in vocal ministry.

I

Photos: Mark Yan

f it weren’t for music, Jeremy Avery and his family might not be members of The Salvation Army today.

“My father is a first-generation Salvationist,” Avery, a tenor, shares, “who came to the Army through hearing an Army band playing at Christmas.”

Avery’s father connected with the leader of that band, who invited him to come to a practice. The rest is history.

“He really loved the music and that’s what brought him in,” says Avery, who attends Meadowlands Corps in Hamilton, Ont. Music is an integral part of Salvation Army ministry around the world, and the Canada and Bermuda Territory is no exception. While our banding remains as strong as ever, the territory’s vocal ministry received a boost this fall with the formation of the Canadian Staff Songsters (CSS), under the leadership of Major Len Ballantine. This group of 36 choristers, which includes Avery, will lead the territory by example in worship, evangelism and integrated mission through music.

“If you went to the training college and asked for a show of hands of how many people played in young people’s bands, sang in a singing company or went to music camp, you would see the influence that our music culture has,” says Major Ballantine. “That’s true for all of us, whether we are involved in full-time ministry or not—we are enriched by the common experience of music-making.”

Joyful Noise The Salvation Army in Canada had a staff songster brigade in its early days, but such a group has not existed for about 100 years. The current group has been several years in the making, with plans beginning to take shape after Craig Lewis joined territorial headquarters as secretary for music and gospel arts in 2015. The formation of the CSS was announced during commissioning week-

BY KRISTIN OSTENSEN end last June and rehearsals began in September.

“For all of us who have been involved in the formation of the CSS it is a tremendous honour and privilege,” says Major Ballantine. “Our people come from all walks of life. Some have had musical training beyond what they learned at the corps or music camp, but the vast majority are just good musicians who can read music and sing. Our rehearsals are amazing times of ‘joy in discovery’ as we learn what we can do together.”

As an accomplished musician, composer and leader of many vocal groups, including the Army’s International Staff Songsters for six years, Major Ballantine brings a wealth of experience to his role.

“Major Len is a gift to The Salvation Army,” says tenor Major David Ivany.

“He’s a creative genius who takes raw potential and evokes it in a beautiful way.

He has a way of seeing what the music should be, and he brings you there.”

“He’s one of the greatest choral leaders the Army has, but beyond his musical ability, his spirit comes through,” adds alto Nancy Turley. “You can see how the message touches him and he conveys that to us as he leads.”

Training Ground While technical proficiency is important to the group’s success, Major Ballantine’s vision is much greater than getting his singers to hit the right notes.

“I view singing as a personal communion with God and a reflexive act that feeds us as we praise him,” he says.

“I view the choir as a community, an expression of Christ’s body, and the CSS as a training ground for leaders and choristers who will influence others as they worship and participate in Salvation Army service.”

Major Ballantine hopes that as the CSS travels the territory, performing and leading workshops, the group will

The Canadian Staff Songsters make their debut at Christmas With The Salvation Army

Salvationist March 2017 9

Photos: Timothy Cheng

inspire Salvationists to develop singers as the Army does brass band musicians.

“I think there’s a difference between the way we view banding and vocalizing,” he says. “Vocalizing is considered something that everybody does—anybody can sing and we sing congregationally to the best of our ability. With brass music, you usually start children at an early age, and as they grow up and build their skills, they become invested in music-making and in their role of enabling worship within the corps.

“That doesn’t happen with vocalizing,” he continues. “We have groups here and there, but there’s not the same practice of raising up singers, so for me, the first goal is to light fires under our own songster brigades.”

That includes empowering members of the CSS to go back to their corps and have a positive influence on the choral ministry there. The songsters represent a broad range of corps, including South Windsor, Simcoe, Bracebridge, Brantford, Ont., and Toronto’s Bloor Central, among others.

Many of the CSS, which includes a mixture of officers and soldiers, have been contributing to Salvation Army music ministry for years already. Bass Glenn Court has played and sung with Army groups throughout his life, including 10 years with the Canadian Staff Band. For him, being part of the CSS means imparting a love of music to the next generation of Salvationists.

“I want to pass on the passion we have to other people, especially younger people,” he says, “whether it’s a songster

Louise Downey, Cathie Koehnen (deputy songster leader), Janine van der Horden, Nancy Turley, Jeremy Avery, Mjr David Ivany and Glenn Court rehearse with Mjr Len Ballantine at Yorkminster Citadel in Toronto

brigade, choral group or worship team, to get them excited about singing as part of the ministry at their corps.”

Along with performing and leading worship, a key component of the staff songsters’ mandate is supporting the growth and development of vocal ensembles.

“Everywhere that we go, we’re going to hold an open rehearsal with the local singers and learn a few songs together,” notes Major Ballantine. “By travelling, we hope to raise the profile of singing and encourage people to become involved.”

The CSS has its first corps engagement this month, visiting South Windsor Corps, Ont., on March 4 and 5, and will visit other corps this year, as well as the Territorial Music School in August.

“One of the things that I enjoyed most

when I was a member of the Canadian Staff Band was when we would travel or go to a corps for a weekend,” says Avery, “because there was always ample opportunity to fellowship with people.

When you’re connecting with people and making friendships, it can really impact people on a personal level.”

On Stage Since its formation, the CSS has given two performances, the first of which was a dedication service held at Jackson’s Point Conference Centre in November.

At the service, Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander, invited each staff songster to kneel at Mjr Ballantine leads the Canadian Staff Songsters in rehearsal

Power of Song Whether they’re singing for 2,000 or just 20, the songsters understand how

Photo: Timothy Cheng

the mercy seat and sign their covenant, dedicating themselves to this ministry.

“It was such a sacred moment,” reflects Turley. “Our team had been together for a few months, but the moment of signing our covenants, and acknowledging and committing to our purpose, made it all real, and it became a touchstone for what we’re about going forward.”

A few weeks later, the CSS made its public debut, performing at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall as part of the annual Christmas With The Salvation Army concert.

Singing in a hall that seats 2,000 people could have been intimidating for the choir, which practises at Toronto’s Yorkminster Citadel, a much smaller venue. But the CSS rose to the occasion, even with a late change to the program.

“At the last minute, we threw away the books—for all the music that we sang, except for one piece that was very long and involved,” shares Major Ballantine. “And that took them from being 82 percent to 98 percent.

Everybody was focused, everybody was free of the page—they let go and sang beautifully, even better than we could have imagined.”

For Major Ballantine and the CSS, the Christmas concert wasn’t just a performance, but an act of worship.

“These are people who take seriously their Christian walk, and they see their act of singing as an offering,” he says. “In that moment, free of the music, with just their voices lifted up as an offering to God—that’s what we prayed about before we went onto the platform, and I believe that was honoured by the Spirit of God.”

“In The Salvation Army, we can’t do music for music’s sake,” says Nancy Turley, right. “All that we do, all that we are, needs to be an expression of our worship and praise to the Lord”

“Forming the Canadian Staff Songsters is about bringing back to our movement the power of song.” impactful music can be on those who hear it.

“Music is like a universal language,” says alto Janine van der Horden. “It speaks to people in a way that the spoken word cannot. It touches somewhere deep within, so it can minister to people in ways we can never imagine.”

As the dedication service empha-

sized, the staff songsters will be more than performers; they will be ministers of the gospel.

“You can belong to a choir that’s not a spiritual group—there are all sorts of choirs out there that do wonderful things,” says soprano Louise Downey.

“But singing in a choir with other believers, singing the gospel—that’s what it’s all about.”

“In The Salvation Army, we can’t do music for music’s sake,” adds Turley. “All that we do, all that we are, needs to be an expression of our worship and praise to the Lord.”

Through its ministry, the CSS aims to enrich the faith of Salvationists across the territory and beyond, to solidify the mission of the Army in the hearts and minds of those who hear them sing, and move the Army forward in faith.

“Forming the Canadian Staff Songsters is about bringing back to our movement the power of song,” says Major Ballantine. “Vocalizing is deeply connected to our faith.

Our beliefs have been woven into our songs, so when we sing them, we come into contact with our theology. That’s why singing is so important.”

At their dedication service, the staff songsters kneel at the mercy seat and sign their covenants

Salvationist March 2017 11

“We want to be part of integrating the social and spiritual ministries of the Army,” says Jonathan Evans, who leads Boundless Vancouver with his wife, Carla

Photo: Chris Loh

Salvation Army shield, our charity work,” he says. “But it’s not enough to provide a Christmas hamper, without establishing a relationship. What’s the heart behind the shield? The heart is a community that loves God and loves others. It’s Jesus’ heart, broken for the lost. So we want to be part of integrating the social and spiritual ministries of the Army.”

The Boundless Kingdom A church plant in Vancouver seeks to follow Jesus together.

BY GISELLE RANDALL

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hen I visited Boundless Vancouver, a Salvation Army church plant that meets on the east side of the city, the first thing I noticed was the logo—a “B” and “V” forming a blue heart, an addition to The Salvation Army’s traditional Red Shield. It’s a signal that, while rooted in the past, something new is emerging in this corps.

“We chose the name Boundless to celebrate our heritage. We are all about what the Army was raised up to be,” says Jonathan Evans, who leads the corps with his wife, Carla. “But God is a creative God. He delights in experimentation, especially when it’s for his glory and purposes. And so we’re trying a new thing under the 12 March 2017 Salvationist

banner of The Salvation Army.”

The people that gather for worship—in a space that could double as an art gallery—aren’t wearing uniforms, and the music is led with a guitar, not a brass band.

Evans welcomes the small group with a reading from Revelation, reminding us that we are part of something much bigger as we join the worship in heaven.

“Our mission for Boundless is to make followers of Jesus, to share his love with Vancouver,” says Evans. “We want to see the boundless kingdom spring up, creating healthy children, youth and families, especially through The Salvation Army’s ministries.”

But those ministries are only half of the equation. “Everyone knows the

Integrated Mission Jonathan and Carla moved to Vancouver in 2002, to join then Captains Stephen Court and Danielle Strickland in starting Vancouver 614, a corps in the Downtown Eastside. Jonathan was one of the first students at the War College, an urban discipleship program, and later took over the leadership. But they began to sense the need for a corps on the east side that was focused on families.

As they considered whether God was calling them to plant a new church, their friends at 614 were part of the discernment process. “We asked them to pray about it, and two couples affirmed it was something they were looking for as well,” says Evans.

Boundless Vancouver began in the spring of 2014, in Jonathan and Carla’s living room. They were joined by Brad and Chelsea Marsh, both Salvation Army employees, and Lachlan and Sharyn Turner, who moved to Vancouver after learning about the Downtown Eastside at a social justice conference in Australia.

“We didn’t have the luxury of branching off from a large congregation, so we have an urgency to see people start following Jesus,” Evans says. “And it begins with the people in our networks, and through prayer. We rely on what the Spirit is doing in our relationships.”

One day, as Evans walked and prayed after dropping the kids off at school, he felt God say that someone was about to be saved—and then he bumped into their son’s basketball coach. They talked for several hours, and he committed his life to Christ.

When the coach’s living situation grew precarious, they found him—and two

of his roommates, a mother and daughter—space at Belkin House, a Salvation Army shelter, until permanent housing was available. Jonathan and Carla helped the mom furnish her new home and register her daughter in school and an afterschool program at a community centre.

All three started attending Boundless.

It’s a great example of integrated mission—caring for the whole person, meeting physical and spiritual needs.

“In the 21st century—and especially in secular, progressive Vancouver—you can’t assume understanding or acceptance of some of the basic ideas of Christianity, that there is one God, or what it means that Jesus died for our sins,” Evans says. “We need to start the conversation much further back. So we encourage people to think about where they are on their spiritual journey, and what’s the next step they can take.”

Discipleship In 2005, Jonathan and Carla served as directors of community and family ministries at the Caring Place (now Ridge Meadows Ministries) in Maple Ridge, B.C. That’s where he met Dave, who was struggling with addiction. He gave him a voucher for shoes and prayed with him, believing that God wanted to restore his life and his creativity.

Years later, they reconnected when Dave’s new partner, Jenny, invited them over for a meal, and were encouraged to hear how his life had turned around.

“We started meeting, and I shared what it meant to know Jesus, to surrender our lives to him,” says Evans. “He made the decision to follow Christ, and it has affected his whole family—his children are coming to know Jesus, too.”

Although both Dave and Jenny have been some of the most faithful and committed members at Boundless, Jenny is still seeking.

Infinitum One of the ways they encourage people to keep taking the next step on their discipleship journey is through Infinitum, a Salvation Army-produced resource launched at the Boundless international congress in 2015. Infinitum—the Latin word for boundless—is an invitation to follow Jesus, guided by two virtues, loving God and loving others, and grounded in three vows.

“Infinitum isn’t another program—it’s a covenanted way of life,” Evans explains.

“The first vow is to surrender your whole life to the lordship of Christ. The second is generosity. In a tight-fisted culture, we

encourage people to live open-handedly with their time, relationships and money.

And the third is mission—to lay down our lives for others.”

The rhythm of Infinitum life includes reviewing the vows daily, meeting in a weekly hub group of two or more people for support and accountability, and a monthly web conference with other Infinitum communities around the world.

Resources are available at infinitumlife. com and the web conferences are hosted by the U.S.A. Western Territory’s savn.tv.

Although Infinitum requires commitment, it doesn’t require membership in the Army. “We focus first on the heart of Salvationism underlying the Army’s traditions,” says Evans. “And then we call people to live out their covenants in this context. But as people follow Jesus, if he calls them to join us, then we have open arms.” Brad, Chelsea, Lachlan and Sharyn are all soldiers, and Dave plans to take soldiership preparation classes soon.

“We’re a community following Jesus together,” Evans says. “And as we journey, we’re all approaching the same place— the heart of the Father, and how deep his love is for us.”

Boundless Vancouver may not look like a traditional Army corps, but they are interpreting the Army’s traditions for today. “We don’t all have to look like William Booth, but we are certainly inspired by him,” Evans concludes. “And I think God likes us stepping out, taking risks and dreaming—just like Booth did in the 1860s.”

Photo: Belle Roth

Photo: Giselle Randall

Sharyn and Lachlan Turner moved to Vancouver from Australia to be part of the Army’s work in the Downtown Eastside

Jonathan and Carla’s daughter, Zoë, and friends make a craft at a Thanksgiving community meal

Salvationist March 2017 13

Situation Critical 10 ways to revive a dying corps.

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ll churches go through a life cycle. Some die out naturally but others can be revitalized to continue the work of the kingdom. In The Salvation Army, every corps has its own particular challenges.

I don’t claim to know everything about corps growth, but in the course of my officership I have observed a few things that work. Much of this depends on prayer, hard work and cultivating a strong team. There are no shortcuts or easy answers, but here’s what I’ve learned:

14 March 2017 Salvationist

Photo: © rkankaro/iStock.com

BY CAPTAIN SCOTT STRISSEL

1. Organic Fellowship When corps members linger after the holiness meeting, when they connect with each other throughout the week, when fellowship doesn’t end with the benediction and the exit sign—these are the ties that bind us together in unity and love. When this organic fellowship takes place, corps members are more likely to support and encourage one another, to live life together.

2. Outward Mission The corps is not simply a building in which programs take place; we should

never be satisfied with just meeting the needs of those who attend. We are part of God’s mission and should be constantly engaging our community for Christ. What this looks like from corps to corps will vary, because every community has different needs. This outward mission needs the whole corps, not just the officers.

3. Inward Discipleship We revive a dying corps by deepening our roots as soldiers. We need mature Christians to shepherd and mentor younger Christians. The best discipleship

takes place when we journey side by side in holy living, holding one another accountable in resistance to sin.

4. Lead With, Not Over There are times when our corps need strong leaders to communicate the vision and guide the conversation for healthy Christian fellowship, but if those leaders are power hungry, it’s time to step aside and let someone else lead. When leadership is shared (the purpose of a corps council or ministry board), not only is the burden lightened, but it enables innovation. When we limit leadership to officers, we limit growth. Develop leaders by letting them learn through trial and error. Trust others. Invest in others. Don’t be afraid to fail.

5. Flexibility Taking calculated risks is vital to success.

What happens when the attempt fails?

Don’t give up, don’t stop trying—adjust and renegotiate. Our ministries will look different from region to region, but we must be willing to change. Sometimes this flexibility must happen at the divisional or territorial level, and sometimes this flexibility is needed by our corps and its membership. Too often, we are afraid to change. But remember the tongue-in-cheek definition of insanity—doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results. Be flexible in your goals and plans.

Ask the hard questions and explore every possibility. Even once-vital programs can sometimes become obsolete and need to be sacrificed for the sake of your corps’ future.

6. Longer Officer Appointments Church—or ministry—growth can take seven years or more. How can soldiers and adherents invest in their leaders’ vision if they will be gone in three years?

When they leave, another officer moves in and the vision can often change. Longer appointments can provide stability and a sustainable way forward. Of course, this requires approval and support from the divisional and territorial levels, and there

are many variables at work—such as, are the officers a good fit? Can this corps afford their family? Do we need their skills elsewhere? Today, many divisions and territories are seeing the benefit of longer appointments. We need corps officers to see the benefit, too, and stay focused where they are, not peer over the fence at a potential appointment.

7. Shared Vision and Mission I can’t emphasize enough that growth depends on investing in soldiers and adherents. As previously mentioned, shared vision is necessary to weather transitions. When a corps officer changes appointment, you need a strong group that knows what needs to be done to provide stability and structure. Talk about your vision. Keep it at the forefront of everything you do.

8. Dependence on God, Not Dollar Signs There is a temptation to worry more about where the next source of funding will come from to pay the bills than how God is going to provide. Yes, we work hard to secure funding, but be careful that finances don’t become your measure of success. Financially secure corps can become spiritual graveyards, too. There are different ways a corps can die, and worshipping wealth can be one of them.

Don’t focus solely on what you have or need. Remember the One who sustains us and will provide what we need, when we need it. Yes, pray about tithing. Yes, pray about grants and funding sources, but don’t let them hamstring what you can and can’t do for the Lord in your community. Even those with limited financial resources can do wonders for the kingdom.

9. Learn and Understand Your Community How many times have you heard, “Oh, I didn’t know The Salvation Army had worship services!”?

Could it be that we don’t get out of our buildings enough?

Are we so insulated that we

don’t see our community with the right lenses anymore? If we are to meet human needs in Jesus’ name, we have to understand what those needs are. Get out of your building. Study your neighbourhood. Find out what the issues are. Talk to the people you serve. It’s not about being seen, but as we do these things, we will be seen. To revive our dying corps, we have to continually explore the shifting needs and wounds of our community. Remember—what may have worked in one corps might not be what your corps needs. As a team—local officers, soldiers, adherents, friends—study your community, look for needs that aren’t being met and then meet them.

10. Passionate Teaching and Holiness (Grow, Then Go!) Some might not be the most elegant of preachers, but what’s important is being willing to preach on the difficult topics, to understand our corps and help them grow spiritually. I fear that sometimes our members are still in the kiddie pool of faith. We will never wade deeper without being challenged. We have to continually live, speak and teach holiness. This is vital to sustaining our corps members from the inside out. Without holiness, we run the risk of becoming another social service club that does good work and hangs out on Sunday mornings. It has to go deeper than that!

We have to keep each other accountable in spiritual growth. The Holy Spirit doesn’t want us to remain static. When we do, corps death will surely follow. Get out of the kiddie pool. Don’t be afraid to ask difficult questions. Seek Christ in all you do. Then—go!

These are just 10 ways to revitalize a dying corps—there are others. What would you add to the list?

Captain Scott Strissel is the corps officer at Evansville Corps and Community Center in Indiana. He is an active blogger and contributor for the purpose of encouraging and challenging the Salvation Army world. Read his blog at pastorsponderings.org.

Salvationist March 2017 15

CALLING THE COURAGEOUS

The Missing Piece Stephanie Purdy was perfectly happy as she was. Why did she need to be a soldier?

Photo: Steadman Bowers

BY KEN RAMSTEAD

“Soldiership wasn’t taking away my individuality—it was making me a part of something bigger than myself,” says Stephanie Purdy

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hen Stephanie Purdy officially became a Salvation Army soldier this past April at St. John’s Temple, N.L., she invited many of her non-Army friends to attend the ceremony. “I was leaving my old life behind and starting anew,” she says. “But I wanted to be accountable to my friends inside and outside the church. I wanted them to see me, sharing my faith at that moment.”

for Officer Training when it was located in St. John’s.

“That’s why I’m here,” laughs Purdy.

“My parents were commissioned in 2005. I lived with them for a year while I finished high school, but I returned to St. John’s. I had no ties to Sherbrooke, Que., where my parents were stationed, so I decided to see if I could make it on my own. It was a scary decision, but it solidified my faith. I love it here!”

Solid Faith Originally from Venezuela, Purdy and her parents, Andy and Sonia Albert, immigrated to Montreal in the late 1990s, where they gravitated to Montreal Citadel.

“We didn’t know much about Canada or The Salvation Army until we got here,” Purdy says. “We stayed, despite the snow and the cold. We felt safe in Canada, and The Salvation Army became our second home.”

Purdy’s parents became Salvationists, and the couple made the decision to become officers and attended the College

The Big Picture During that time, she met and married Tim Purdy in 2012, who is pursuing a degree in ocean and naval architectural engineering at the Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN). Purdy herself is a fourth-year nursing student at MUN. “We actually met through a mutual friend who invited us both to be on the university’s Salvation Army Student Fellowship worship team—or as they appropriately call it, ‘The Salvation Army Spouse Finder,’ ” smiles Purdy.

Purdy was happy and grounded in her faith. Considering that her parents

16 March 2017 Salvationist

are officers and her husband is a soldier, soldiership might have seemed the next logical step. But Purdy’s decision to become a soldier was the product of years of inner debate.

“There wasn’t any pressure put on me,” she states, “but there was an expectation, and I rebelled against that. I treasured my individuality and freedom.

But I also believed in the biblical injunction: from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.”

One day, Purdy was out for a drive and had a debate with God. I want to answer your call and I want to be obedient, she prayed.

“And this voice in my head, which I know was the Holy Spirit, replied, ‘You not doing anything is disobedience. I’m asking you what I’ve been asking you for years.’ ” It was either become a soldier or disobey God. “To be honest, it’s not something I necessarily wanted to do at that point but I knew that that was what I was required to do,” explains Purdy. “But getting where I felt OK with it took a couple of months.”

And that only happened the morning of her enrolment at St. John’s Temple, when she donned her uniform for the first time.

“I realized I was part of this bigger picture,” Purdy smiles. “Soldiership wasn’t taking away my individuality—it was making me part of something bigger than myself.”

Compassionate Response “Stephanie demonstrates a sense of genuine joy in her service as a soldier,” says Major Rene Loveless, corps officer at the temple. “She has a servant heart that expresses itself in her caring and compassionate response toward others, through her involvement at the corps and by her leadership of our cradle roll ministry.”

Becoming a soldier radically changed Purdy’s faith.

“I never tried to hide the fact that I was a member of The Salvation Army but it’s so much more public now,” she says. “People can see so much of what I am, and the godly standard I aspire to, without even knowing my name, and I’m just fine with that.”

Is officership in Purdy’s future?

“I used to say no,” she replies, “but you never know what God has in store.

We can only see bits of the puzzle that God has mapped out for us, so I’m happy taking it one step at a time.”

The strategic priority of sharing the gospel with the “nones” and “dones.”

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n the last census, close to 25 percent of Canadians chose “none” under the category of religious affiliation. Other research shows that only 20-25 percent attend church weekly. Although they may maintain their faith in God, many Christians are “done” with institutional religion.

Some of these “nones” and “dones” might be a bit like doubting Thomas, the disciple who responded to the news of Jesus’s Resurrection by saying, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25).

The Apostle John, known as the Evangelist, wrote, “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us” (1 John 1:3). He believed so strongly in this Jesus that he’d seen and heard and touched that he wanted to tell others, so they could enjoy fellowship with God. As Salvationists, are we proclaiming what we have seen and heard? Are we sharing the good news and evangelizing our communities? The Canada and Bermuda Territory is committed to reawakening the Army’s passion for lost souls, and has made the gospel and transformation a strategic priority.

The goal of this priority is to share the gospel, lead people to Christ and nurture them in their faith. We are excited to partner with Alpha Canada and the Billy Graham Evangelical Association as we

Photo: © IvelinRadkov/iStock.com

BY MAJOR DOUG BINNER

invest time and resources into training and equipping our soldiers, corps and divisions by: •• Providing evangelism training and resources that empower Salvationists to share their faith •• Adapting outreach methods to best reach people for Christ •• Encouraging ministry units to work and witness outside of their buildings to bring hope to their communities •• Embracing cultural diversity with sensitivity and openness •• Celebrating stories of transformation and new life in Christ In 1993, Lee Strobel wrote a book called Inside the Mind of Unchurched Harry and Mary, using personal experiences, compelling stories and inspirational strategies to suggest ways to build relationships with non-Christians. He writes about the neighbour who seems perfectly happy without God. Or the co-worker who uses Jesus’ name only as profanity. Or the family member who can’t understand why religion is so important.

Our neighbours and co-workers are no different today. They are morally adrift, but secretly want an anchor.

They long for something solid to hang on to, while their worlds spiral out of control. They often don’t understand Christianity, but are also ignorant about what they do believe. And, perhaps most significantly, they’re not as concerned with the question, “Is Christianity true?”

as they are with, “Does it work and how can I experience it?”

In other words, the “nones” and “dones” want to hear about what you have seen and heard and touched. They want to know what difference Jesus has made in your life. They want to hear your story.

We can all play a part as we focus on the priority of evangelism. I encourage you to be good listeners and good storytellers. Listen to the stories of others, and share the story of your own journey to faith in Christ. Share the story of God’s unconditional love and acceptance for the whosoever. Together, we can take the fear out of evangelism and weave it back into the fabric of our lives. We can take our everyday, ordinary lives— our sleeping, eating, going-to-work and walking-around lives—and place them before God as an offering (see Romans 12:1-2 The Message) that God will use to build his kingdom. We can all share our story.

Major Doug Binner is the corps ministries secretary for the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

You can read more about the seven strategic priorities at salvationist.ca/ strategic-priorities.

Salvationist March 2017 17

Living Positively Diagnosed as HIV-positive more than 20 years ago, Mavis Moyo has turned her illness into an opportunity by speaking out.

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BY LT-COLONEL WANDA VINCENT

n 1993, Mavis Moyo learned she was HIV-positive. It seemed like a death sentence. But although she lost her husband and her 10-yearold son to the disease, and experienced many HIV-related health challenges of her own, Moyo was a fighter. Her faith was strong and her determination undaunted—she wanted her life to make a difference. And it has. Moyo has been a powerful example of living positively— not just surviving, but thriving.

Fighting the Stigma Moyo is one of millions of people in Zimbabwe who are HIV-positive. This impoverished country in southern Africa has experienced one of the world’s most severe HIV-AIDS crises. According to the National Blood Service, HIV-AIDS among donors grew from about three percent in the 1980s to almost 40 percent in 2001. In 2003, an estimated 1.8 million Zimbabweans—more than half of whom were women—were living with HIV. Not long after she learned of her diagnosis, Moyo started antiretroviral therapy treatment and attended a national congress of the Zimbabwe National Networks for People Living Positively with HIV (ZNNP+). This congress gave Moyo the courage to be open about her status—a rare thing at the time because of the stigma surrounding the disease.

By speaking out fearlessly, she helped others living in fear.

Today, Moyo is a force to be reckoned with in her community, an advocate for the vulnerable—people living with HIVAIDS, children and young mothers.

Practical and Emotional Support In the rural village of Tshelanyemba, 18 March 2017 Salvationist

Lt-Cols Morris and Wanda Vincent with Mavis Moyo in Tshelanyemba, Zimbabwe. Moyo plays a significant role in the Silokwethemba project, a community-based program started by two Canadian Salvationists, which pays school fees, provides shoes and runs soccer camps for children

where Moyo lives, the Salvation Army hospital provides health services for approximately 40,000 people. Most medical services are geared toward HIV-related conditions and the hospital offers the only maternity ward in the area. During economically challenging times, the hospital is unable to pay many of the staff, but they stay committed to the health and welfare of the local people.

For several years, Moyo volunteered as a counsellor in the hospital, providing practical and emotional support for patients suffering from HIV-related illnesses. Later, she was hired by the primary care counsellors, who would often refer their cases to her when they were

unable to manage their workload.

Moyo is now part of the hospital’s HIV-AIDS team. The range of tasks varies, from teaching volunteers how to care for wounds to co-ordinating training for families when a patient is released from the hospital.

In the early days of the HIV-AIDS crisis, there was little support for people who were HIV-positive and their families. They needed a place to talk openly about their challenges and learn how to deal with the effects of the disease.

Moyo was among the first in her area to monitor newly formed support groups.

Despite facing discrimination, Moyo participates as a member of the District

AIDS Action Committee (DAAC), representing people living positively with HIVAIDS. She is also the district chairperson for People Living Positively (another community group) for the Matobo District under ZNNP+.

Children’s Advocate Moyo plays a significant role in the Silokwethemba project, a communitybased program administered by two Salvationists, Max Vincent and Anne Letendre, from Vancouver. Since 2004, the project has paid school fees for more than 5,500 children, distributed 3,000 pairs of shoes and helped sponsor many soccer activities.

“Mavis is the eyes and ears on the ground for our project because she reads the culture so well,” says Vincent. Moyo meets regularly with a group of community volunteers to get updates on the schools and other programs. She travels with the team to visit schools, assisting in conversations with headmasters (including translation as needed), and solving any problems or conflicts that arise.

Each year, she debriefs with Letendre and Vincent to evaluate the project’s effectiveness and consider other ways they can assist the local children. This resulted in the shoe project as well as a new initiative to produce re-usable feminine products for young girls, and, for next year, the provision of notebooks and pencils for students.

Children hold a big place in Moyo’s heart. In the summer of 2015, I travelled to Tshelanyemba as part of the Silokwethemba team. During my visit, I witnessed Moyo caring for a young girl

Moyo helps children try on their new shoes

who was suffering from malnutrition.

Moyo visited her in the hospital every day to feed her, pray with her and talk to her nurses. I was moved to tears when I saw this child’s fight for her life. We accompanied Moyo to the girl’s home to make sure she wasn’t being mistreated.

It was difficult to know how well the child was cared for as a large number of people lived together in the small hut, but Moyo assured us she would continue to maintain contact with the family. The meagre dwelling and complicated family

Moyo is a force to be reckoned with in her community—an advocate for the vulnerable. life represented many others in similar situations. Moyo knew the future of the hospitalized girl was uncertain.

A Pillar of the Community Moyo—often known as Ma Moyo—is loved and respected in her community, a source of encouragement and education.

She models healthy living by eating properly, consistently taking her medication and being active in community groups. It is her belief that this reduces the stigma and lifts the morale for so many who live with HIV-AIDS. She is quick to speak

of her faith and its integral place in her life, including how she has coped with grief, sickness, prejudice and poverty.

Like many others, Moyo has opened her home to orphans and family members who need financial support. She has supported her own children, her grandchildren, several nephews (who lost their dad) and her mother while living on a low income.

Her home has also been a place of refuge for young pregnant moms who come to Tshelanyemba to deliver their babies. I remember well my visit to Moyo’s home one evening when several expectant young moms were socializing and receiving loving support from Ma Moyo. The small and humble dwelling was scarce in furniture, with one light bulb to illuminate the dark. But the atmosphere was warm and happy. Moyo insisted that her guests (the expectant moms and us) would have a place to sit, even if it was an upside down water pail or the arm of a chair. After much enjoyable conversation, Moyo led us in a time of prayer.

In 2015, close to 30,000 people in Zimbabwe died of HIV-AIDS. While infection rates are declining, 1.4 million people are still living with the disease.

By fighting the stigma, Moyo is making a difference. Before visiting Tshelanyemba and meeting Ma Moyo, I thought “living positively” meant having a good attitude toward life. Now I know it means so much more.

Lt-Colonel Wanda Vincent is the territorial secretary for women’s ministries in the Kenya West Territory.

Moyo and Max Vincent meet with a principal to pay school fees

Salvationist March 2017 19

Freedom Fighter Major Danielle Strickland tackles trafficking in the U.S.A. Western Territory.

A Salvation Army officer for more than 20 years, Major Danielle Strickland is a passionate advocate for the marginalized. Along with various appointments across the Canada and Bermuda Territory, Major Strickland has served as director of social justice in the Australia Southern Territory and is currently the territorial social justice secretary in the U.S.A. Western Territory. Kristin Ostensen, Salvationist associate editor, caught up with Major Strickland after she presented at the Hope in the City Breakfast in Toronto.

How are you getting Salvationists involved?

We started a Facebook page and an app called SA Justice, which gives people information right where they are. They can even start a campaign—people can sign on and register an event they’re doing. I’ve started a podcast where I have conversations with amazing people from around the world about social justice issues. We’ve also released a book called Just: Imagine, which is social justice 101 from a Salvation Army perspective.

What progress are you making in fighting trafficking?

We’ve launched a 10-year plan to combat human trafficking in the U.S.A. Western Territory, so within 10 years, every division will have awareness and training programs, and every employee, every Salvationist will be aware of trafficking and know what to do if they encounter a victim.

We’ve started prevention and outreach strategies, including a program called Brave, which is for foster-care girls. About 70 to 80 percent of women for sale in the streets of cities across North America come from foster care. So we thought, if exploiters can target them, why can’t we?

We have to get to places where vulnerable people are.

Human trafficking, by its nature, is invisible; it’s meant to be hard to find. And so we have to go out of our way to get in the way, to make a difference there. Already we have three teams from local corps that are doing massage parlour chaplaincy in different divisions in our territory, along with survivor services and recovery. We also have three safe houses, and three more ready to go. We want every division to have at least one.

Not many territories have a specific social justice secretary. How does this position help the Army further its mission?

20 March 2017 Salvationist

Photo: Steve Nelson

Describe your current appointment.

I was charged with the task of starting a social justice department for The Salvation Army in the western United States.

We’re trying to do three things: inform people about our biblical mandate to do justice and the Army’s own history of doing justice; inspire people to be part of the change they want to see in the world; and instigate justice movements and campaigns.

Mjr Danielle Strickland speaks at the Hope in the City Breakfast in Barrie, Ont.

Social justice requires us to be critical thinkers and to be specific about instigation; somebody needs to take it and run with it. So you have grassroots efforts—which are fantastic— but they happen in isolated places and it’s not co-ordinated and, as a result, it’s often not resourced and it ends up being un-strategic. Having somebody in this kind of position creates a plan going forward, where people can get on board. And it’s not like you have to convince Salvationists to do social justice.

It’s in us to do; we want to do it. We know something has to change. It’s a matter of what to do and how to do it. Somebody needs to help navigate that, and I believe a co-ordinated effort is the best way.

There are many social justice issues that require attention today. How can we get started?

I usually say to people, “What’s bugging you right now? What’s on your mind?” Single moms, children who don’t have lunches— there’s usually something right in front of you. It might literally be in your neighbourhood. If you haven’t met your neighbours, go meet them—it’s not a bad place to start. Go introduce yourself and be of use to your community. If you’re passionate about a specific issue—for example, if trafficking is the thing that keeps you up at night—go find someone fighting it and join them. Often, from that place, you’ll get a better sense of what you, specifically, can contribute, and that might morph into another ministry. The way will emerge as you do what you’re convicted to do.

Photo: © SolStock/iStock.com

Lessons From the Bay Sharing Jesus can take you to unusual places—even to the deck of a lobster boat.

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hen my wife, Tina, and I were commissioned as officers, our first appointment was to the beautiful community of Deadman’s Bay, N.L., where Salvationists eagerly shared their faith and Christian love with everyone they met. The community of 250 people relied heavily on the fishing industry for commerce, with the majority of the men fishing for a living and the balance working at the fish plant in nearby Wesleyville, N.L. Even in my earliest days of ministry, I believed that to have an impact on the kingdom of heaven and people’s lives, I had to die to self and make God’s priority—the lost—my priority. With that in mind, I took it upon myself to know everyone who lived Deadman’s Bay, and to know them well. The only problem was that they didn’t all come to church. We had a congregation of about 55 vibrant Salvationists who loved the Lord, but there were still many in the community who were outside the grace of God. I realized that if I was to influence the lives of people, in particular the men of the community, I had to go where they were. I needed to engage them on their turf and in their surroundings if I was ever to share the love of Christ. So I joined the volunteer fire brigade and trained and fellowshipped there, building relationships and earning trust. It was on the back of a fire truck during training one night that one of the other fire

BY MAJOR CHRIS RIDEOUT fighters asked about God and religion.

I think it was my best sermon!

I also volunteered to work on each fishing boat so that I could get to know the people God had called me to serve.

The only problem was that I do not have sea legs. In fact, I don’t have anything sea-related in my body, especially my stomach. So, there I was at 4 a.m. boarding a boat, getting ready to fish for crab, lobster, cod or whatever, depending on the season, praying for calm seas and the strength not to embarrass myself by throwing up.

of the water and stack them away for the next year that God gave me a great blessing. All hands were on the wharf, and there was a lot of laugher at my expense. One of the fishermen simply asked, “Captain, why do you bother coming in the boats with us knowing you are going to get sick?”

“Because your soul matters,” was my response. Nothing more was said.

I spent a lot time doing things that I had little knowledge about, such as baiting traps and mending nets, and rolling up fire hoses and testing equipment,

To influence the lives of people, I had to go where they were.

As it happened, neither prayer was answered. Don Stokes, one of the fishermen, said it seemed that every time I was on the water, it was rough. And every time I got sick. The guys thought this was hilarious, and more than once a “barf bucket” was left hanging on the door of our house. I actually think there were times when they “encouraged” me to be sick, like when Melvin and Curtis Goodyear had me cleaning fish, with my head down, while we still fished. The boat rocked, I got sick and they laughed.

If I wasn’t a help to them, I was definitely entertainment.

It was at the end of lobster season when it was time to pull the traps out

so that I could spend a lot of time with people God was crazy about. One or two of those men came to faith, some came to church, but I pray they all got a glimpse of the love and grace that God freely offers.

I’ve learned a lot of good lessons over the years as I have ministered as a Salvation Army officer. The biggest, by far, is realizing that my main responsibility is to scatter seeds of faith by sharing the good news of Jesus, and then to pray that the message finds good soil and takes root.

Major Chris Rideout is area commander for corps in the central region of Ontario Central-East Division.

Salvationist March 2017 21

#TRENDING

The Circle and the Cross What we can learn from Celtic spirituality.

A

s St. Patrick ’s Day a p p r o a c h e s , I ’m thinking about the rich spiritual tradition of Celtic Christianity, which arose from the Celtic lands of Britain, Ireland and parts of France in the first millennium. The spirituality of the Celts has much to teach us about social justice, our relationship to creation and prayer.

Celtic tradition is concerned with social justice, which is one of the strategic priorities outlined in our One Army, One Mission, One Message and Mobilize initiatives. The Canadian Oxford Dictionary defines social justice as “the notion that society should be organized in a way that allows equal opportunity for all.”

This is a helpful definition. But for the Celts of the past and for Christians today, it’s only a start. The Bible bursts with passages that speak about social justice. Too often, political policies trump sound theological belief and practice; too often, social justice is belittled or ignored entirely. For me, in its simplest terms, social justice is God’s will done “on earth as it is in heaven.”

The goal of our social justice strategic priority is “To promote the dignity of all people, with a focus on the marginalized and vulnerable.” The actions are three-fold: 1) Deliver services in ways that respect and value people; 2) Educate Salvationists, employees and others about living justly; and 3) Develop resources and stand up against situations of injustice that oppress and marginalize people.

Stories from the tradition and history of the Celts clearly show their con22 March 2017 Salvationist

cern for social justice. Leaders in Celtic communities confronted the rich and powerful of their day about the mistreatment of their employees and the poor. St. Patrick worked toward the eradication of kidnapping and enslavement. There’s a wonderful story in which a king, Oswald, famously gave food from a royal Easter feast to feed poor and hungry people who were begging. He then instructed his officials to break up the silver dishes and give the pieces to the poor.

The Celts were also “green.” No, it’s not a reference to the colour green for St. Patrick’s Day. The Celts were “green” in the sense of caring about creation.

They affirmed God as creator and the theological worth of God’s creation.

In Water From an Ancient Well: Celtic Spirituality for Modern Life, Kenneth McIntosh writes about the Scriptureaffirming and intuitive notion of feeling close to God in nature: “This primal love for the earth and its maker has implications for environmentalism: God is the fountain from which all creation flows;

and if we damage our world we dishonour its source.” In our time, the Celts would be environmentalists, working against climate change and pollution.

In The Salvation Army, our position statement on responsibility for the earth contains echoes of a “green theology” that the Celts would have embraced. The document states, in part: “We believe that God delights in each part of creation and fills it with intrinsic value, regardless of its utility. As such, caring for creation is an act of worship to God, while neglecting or abusing it is an act of disobedience. Degradation of the earth is in part the result of human activity which has not adhered to the rhythms and regulations of biblical stewardship.

We believe human beings, created in the image of God, have a responsibility to care for all living things in a manner that reflects God’s own relationship to creation.”

Lastly, the Celts were prayer warriors.

My favourite element from Celtic spirituality is the practice of circling prayer.

This practice involves physically or visually circling an individual, community or prayer concern. The notion is to keep good within and bad without. Here’s a quick example: “Lord God, surround us with your love and peace. Keep love and joy within. Keep hate and despair without. Amen.”

The Celts of the past were wonderful people of God. Listening to them and learning from their tradition can only enrich our lives today.

Captain Mark Braye is the corps officer at Sarnia Community Church, Ont.

Photo: © MendelPerkinsPhotography/iStock.com

BY CAPTAIN MARK BRAYE

Photo: © robertnowland/iStock.com

HERSTORY

Under Stormy Skies Living through the long wait for Easter.

I

BY LIEUTENANT KRISTEN JACKSON-DOCKERAY

t feels like the sky is eternally grey in Vancouver. I’m pretty sure it has been raining or cloudy ever since we moved here last July. It’s hard to remember when I last saw a sliver of sun cut across my window. It’s already dark and depressing by 4:30 in the afternoon.

I want to skip this season of darkness. I want to get out of town, drive to California, fly to Hawaii—anywhere the sun is shining.

Alas, I am here, in dreary Vancouver, waiting for spring, waiting for new life, waiting for flowers and grass and summer camp. A season of waiting, matched by the season of the church year: Lent (which is actually an Anglo-Saxon word for spring).

Growing up, I learned little about Lent, the season of fasting and prayer before Easter, and nothing about Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. But while at training college in blustery Winnipeg, I was introduced to the church calendar and fell in love with the way it calls us to the life of faith in each season. For me, there is something deeply comforting about the rhythm of living out the Christian story throughout the year.

So as I stare out my window into the abyss of a grey-streaked sky, I am reminded of ashes and Lent. I am reminded of the darkness, the grief, the sometimes inescapable sorrow of our existence. And it is here, under the shadow of storm clouds and drizzly rain, that I long for Jesus. I long to sit by his

dusty feet to lament, to send up to the heavens an authentic prayer that invites God to meet me right where I am, not where I pretend to be.

Maybe it’s all sunshine and roses where you are in life. But if you, too, are surrounded by an all-consuming grey cloud, consider observing Lent this year.

I read the Litany of Penitence in the Book of Common Prayer, knowing I am repeating the words along with those who have come before me and those who will come after me: “Most holy and merciful Father: we confess to you and to one another and to the whole communion of saints in heaven and on earth, that we have sinned by our own fault in

thought, word and deed; by what we have done and by what we have left undone.”

Confession and repentance remind us that God is God, and we are not.

Admitting our mortality and brokenness brings strange hope. Ashes on our forehead remind us of our death and our rebirth. It is only as we bring our lament to God that we can feel truly loved by God. Maybe it’s all sunshine and roses where you are in life. But if you, too, are surrounded by an all-consuming grey cloud, consider observing Lent this year.

Lieutenant Kristen Jackson-Dockeray is the divisional youth secretary in the British Columbia Division.

Questions for Lent 1. When I wake up on Resurrection Sunday, how will I be different?

2. Is there a habit or sin in my life that repeatedly gets in the way of loving God with my whole heart or loving my neighbour as myself?

How can I address this habit over the next 40 days?

3. What spiritual discipline do I need to improve on or try?

4. What do ashes mean to me this year?

Salvationist March 2017 23

CROSS CULTURE

IN THE NEWS Persecution of Christians Hits Record High

For the third straight year, the persecution of Christians worldwide has increased and is at an all-time high, according to a new report by Open Doors, an organization that has researched and supported persecuted Christians for more than 60 years.

According to the organization’s 2017 World Watch List, the most common cause of pressure against Christians is Islamic extremism. Persecution is rising most sharply in Africa, where more people are killed for their Christian faith than anywhere else in the world. Their research shows that persecution is also increasing in Asia as a result of ethnic nationalism.

According to Open Doors, the top five worst countries for persecution are North Korea, Somalia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sudan.

Photo: © middelveld/iStock.com

Conservative Theology Linked to Church Growth

A new Ontariobased study of 22 mainline Protestant churches suggests that theology plays a significant role in church attendance.

“After statistically analyzing the survey responses of over 2,200 congregants and the clergy members who serve them, we came to a counterintuitive discovery: Conservative Protestant theology, with its more literal view of the Bible, is a significant predictor of church growth while liberal theology leads to decline,” writes study co-author David Haskell of Wilfrid Laurier University in the Washington Post.

For example, Haskell and his co-authors found that 93 percent of clergy and 83 percent of worshippers from growing churches agreed with the statement: “Jesus rose from the dead with a real flesh-and-blood body leaving behind an empty tomb.” Among declining churches, only 56 percent of clergy and 67 percent of worshippers agreed.

ON THE WEB Comedian Matt Falk mattfalkcomedy.com Comedy doesn’t need to be vulgar to be funny—that’s the philosophy of Matt Falk, one of Canada’s leading “clean” stand-up comics who is also a committed Christian. He’s performed at Just For Laughs and the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, and his album, Apple Pie & Scars, was named one of the top 10 comedy albums the year of its release. A Mennonite boy from Manitoba, Falk frequently tours Canada, often performing at churches. His YouTube channel, youtube.com/mattfalk6352, features many of these performances. His take on “first world problems” is a highlight—watch it at youtu.be/Zh0AnPr_fj8.

24 March 2017 Salvationist

IN REVIEW Rooted and Reaching

BY JESSICA HODDERFAGERSTROM Jessica Hodder-Fagerstrom spent her teenage years in the Kenya West Territory as the daughter of Salvation Army missionaries. She quickly fell in love with the country and its people, and witnessed first-hand the tragedy of political violence following the presidential election in 2007. “Though it was difficult for me to watch the country I’d come to love teeter on the brink of collapse, it was a truly transformative experience,” she writes. “These lessons have greatly influenced my path over the last decade.”

These lessons come through in Rooted and Reaching, a fiveweek daily devotional book that tracks the author’s personal journey in Kenya and her “encounters with the Lord in what the ancients saw as the most basic elements of the universe: earth, wind, water, fire and spirit.” Each entry is a short vignette—a key moment in the author’s time there—and includes a Bible verse and excerpts from the Salvation Army song book.

The Zookeeper’s Wife

Coming to theatres this month, The Zookeeper’s Wife tells the true story of the Warsaw Zoo keepers who saved many lives while Poland was occupied during the Second World War. Based on a non-fiction book of the same name, the film follows Antonina Żabiński (Jessica Chastain) and her husband, Jan (Johan Heldenbergh), active members of the Polish underground resistance who secretly sheltered Jews at the zoo—which had been closed by the Nazis—by hiding them in empty animal cages. It is estimated that up to 300 people passed through the zoo, and many survived the war because of the help they received from the Żabińskis and other members of the underground.

CROSS CULTURE

Digital Discipleship

T

RightNow Media offers large selection of Christian resources.

he world’s largest collection of video Bible study resources can be accessed anytime, anywhere, with just the click of a button—or the swipe of a finger. RightNow Media has been called “Netflix for the church,” with a wide range of teaching content for men,

women, young people and children on various topics. The service offers both original content from respected teachers and pastors, and resources produced by other major Christian publishers and ministries. In addition to a website, RightNow Media offers an app for both

iOs and Android.

The Canada and Bermuda Territory currently has an arrangement with RightNow Media that gives Salvationists and friends free access to these resources.

Sign up for RightNow Media by visiting salvationist.ca/rightnowmedia.

MEN Fatherhood Joel Biermann Few things in life can be more intimidating than taking on the role of fatherhood. This four-session study addresses some of the challenges fathers face in trying to be loving and Christlike toward their families. Joel Biermann offers insights from Scripture and his own experience as a dad.

Simplify: Unclutter Your Soul Bill Hybels In this four-week study, bestselling author Bill Hybels shares his own story of the wake-up call that changed everything—and the steps he took to simplify his life before it was too late.

Discover the power of simplicity in your schedule, work, finances, relationships and soul.

Redeeming Work Andy Crouch, Katelyn Beaty and Skye Jethani Our jobs often dictate the circumstances of our lives. But for many Christians, there is a significant gap between work and faith. This sixsession group study aims to change that, showing real-life examples of Christians living their faith at work.

Refuse to Do Nothing: Finding Your Power to Abolish Modern-Day Slavery Shayne Moore and Kimberly Yim It is estimated that at least 21 million people are currently trapped in modern-day slavery worldwide. In four short sessions, Shayne Moore and Kimberly Yim share strategies for mobilizing against human trafficking and fighting for human dignity.

Fear and Faith: Finding the Peace Your Heart Craves Trillia Newbell Speaker and author Trillia Newbell invites women to explore their fears and how those fears impact their relationships, self-esteem, peace of mind and walk with God. Each session features real-life stories and biblical teaching on God’s faithfulness.

It Starts at Home: Learning to Confidently Teach Your Kids About God Matt Chandler How can parents teach their children what matters most? This sixsession study explores biblical and tangible ways that parents can give their kids a solid framework for lifelong faith.

Friends and Heroes The Bible comes alive in this epic animated adventure series based in ancient Egypt, Israel and Rome. The story follows two young friends as they fight for justice against the Roman Empire. Each episode consists of two Bible stories.

The Sugar Creek Gang Based on a series of books by Paul Hutchens, The Sugar Creek Gang movies chronicle the adventures of the residents of Sugar Creek, with stories taken from the book series, as well as all-new original adventures.

What’s in the Bible?

In this animated series, Buck Denver and his friends take children through the whole Bible. It takes familiar stories and characters such as Moses, Noah, David and Jesus, and teaches how they all fit together to tell one big, redemptive story.

All the Places to Go … How Will You Know?

John Ortberg Award-winning author John Ortberg uses the metaphor of an open door to explore how we discern God’s leading in this six-part series. Ortberg’s aim is to encourage people to step out in faith and embrace the opportunities that await.

Amazing Grace Francis Chan In these four challenging Bible study sessions, students share real-life stories about their own struggles and triumphs in coming to terms with God’s grace in their lives. Pastor Francis Chan helps teens understand God’s amazing gift and how grace impacts our purpose in life.

WOMEN

CHILDREN

TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS DO Something!

Miles McPherson DO Something! shows young people how they can live out their faith in a way that impacts the lives of others.

Intended for small groups, this sixsession series features teachings from Miles McPherson, personal interviews with people and outstanding cinematography.

Salvationist March 2017 25

PEOPLE & PLACES

GREENFIELD PARK, QUE.—Supported by their friends and Lt Vilma Ramos, CO, David Zarate, Maria Fernanda Osorio, Dana Osorio and Ivana Ramos are enrolled as junior soldiers at Light of Hope Family Church.

KINGSTON, ONT.—Three senior soldiers and one adherent are enrolled at Rideau Heights. From left, Lt Josh Howard, CO; Debbie Gregory, adherent; Andrea Stofen, senior soldier; Richard Green, holding the flag; Anna Rooks-Crain, Karen Hopewell, senior soldiers; and Ken Pedlar, senior soldier class instructor.

CALGARY—Glenmore Temple celebrates as three junior soldiers are enrolled.

From left, Mjr Guy Simms, CO; Julianna Kranenburg; Cecil Dean, holding the flag; Isabella Haskey; October Cleator; Charmaine McLeod, instructor; and Mjr Donna Simms, CO. 26 March 2017 Salvationist

TORONTO—For the fifth year in a row, employees from Celestica Inc. lend a helping hand during the annual Christmas toy distribution at Agincourt CC. Leigh Rowney, then community ministries and development co-ordinator at Agincourt CC (front, third from left), is pictured with Celestica Inc. volunteers and members of the corps family.

GREENFIELD PARK, QUE.—Lt Ricaurte Velasquez, CO, enrols Roberto Ramos, Perla Perez, Gustavo Zarate, Esmeralda Ramirez, Sara Zarate, Hubert Naranjo, Daniela Naranjo, Verena Buelvas, Wilder Jean-Charles, Josette Joseph and Wilderson Jean as senior soldiers at Light of Hope Family Church.

PEOPLE & PLACES

HAMILTON, ONT.—Three new soldiers are welcomed at Meadowlands Corps.

From left, RS Sharon Avery; Angela Kerr; Ethan Rayment; Camilo Charria; CS Dan Millar, holding the flag; and Mjrs Beverley and Ken Smith, COs.

GAZETTE TERRITORIAL Promoted to glory: Cpt Russell Sutherland, from Campbell River, B.C., Dec 17; Lt-Col Nell Watson, from Toronto, Dec 21; Mjr Margaret Lockwood, from Oakville, Ont., Dec 31

CALENDAR Commissioner Susan McMillan: Mar 11-13 CFOT; Mar 22-26 Pan American Zonal Conference, Montego Bay, Jamaica Colonels Lee and Deborah Graves: Mar 5-7 divisional review, Que. Div; Mar 21-26 Pan American Zonal Conference, Montego Bay, Jamaica Canadian Staff Songsters: Mar 4-5 South Windsor, Ont.

THE

WHOLE WORLD MOBILISING Download from the

APP STORE

Download from

GOOGLE PLAY

In 2017, The Salvation Army kicks off a year-long campaign to encourage Salvationists to connect with each other, celebrate the work being done around the world to share the gospel and equip them with tools and tips along the way. The Whole World Mobilising app and website will provide real-time updates on mobilisation activities, practical coaching, community and global prayer. Visit the website today and download the app for inspirational tools to daily put your faith into action.

MOBILISING.SALVATIONARMY.ORG

FACEBOOK.COM/MOBILISING

Salvationist March 2017 27

PEOPLE & PLACES

TRIBUTES Accepted for Training Messengers of the Gospel Session (2016-2018) College for Officer Training, Winnipeg Carlos Cuellar Richmond, British Columbia Division While living in New York, I was invited to a Salvation Army corps for the first time. The woman who invited me said that she would one day see me in an officer’s uniform. I thought it was the most unusual comment. I had become a Christian a couple of years before but I was still new to Christianity. My wife and children had moved to Vancouver, where I would soon join them, and I didn’t realize they had been attending Richmond Corps. We were the only ones that spoke Spanish, and I knew God had placed us there for a purpose. I invited some Hispanic friends to the church, ran a Spanish Bible study and eventually became a soldier. I know God’s plan for me is to spread the gospel.

Jenny Marin Richmond, British Columbia Division My children and I went to Richmond Corps just a week after landing in Canada from New York. We were welcomed by an officer who asked how they could help us and offered to sign the kids up for vacation Bible school to allow me to look for a place to live.

God knew exactly what I needed at that time, just like he had known so many times throughout my life. My husband joined us from New York and we continued to attend Richmond Corps until God called us to help others become aware of his presence in their lives as officers.

TORONTO—Gordon Stewart Bain was born in London, England, in 1933, and after a short illness passed away quietly surrounded by his wife, Katheleen, and special friends and family. Gordon was a bandsman of Hendon Corps in North London before immigrating to Vancouver in 1960. He served as a Sunday school teacher, bandsman, deputy bandmaster and bandmaster at Cariboo Hill Temple in Burnaby, B.C. In 1978, Gordon moved to Ontario, transferring to Toronto’s Yorkminster Citadel (Earlscourt) where he was an active songster and bandsman, and was involved with many youth projects. Gordon was a true Christian and Salvationist and his love for the Lord was always his reason for life. He will always be loved by his life partner of 49 years, Kathy, and will be missed by his friends and family at Hendon Corps, Cariboo Hill Temple and Yorkminster Citadel.

SASKATOON—Linda Austin (nee Crashley) was born in Moose Jaw, Sask., in 1955. First introduced to The Salvation Army through Sunday school, Linda attended holiday camp at Beaver Creek Camp at the age of 10. Her family moved to Saskatoon the next year. Linda reconnected with the Army when she was in Grade 10, when they moved just blocks from the church.

Linda earned a diploma in recreation technology and began working with physically and mentally handicapped individuals, and then with institutionalized seniors. In 1978, she entered the College for Officer Training in Toronto. Following commissioning, Linda served in Wallaceburg, Ont., and Toronto, before marrying Alvin Austin in 1982. Together they ministered in Richmond, B.C., and Toronto, and were thrilled to have three beautiful children.

When they returned to Saskatoon, Linda assumed many roles at Saskatoon Temple and continued her lifelong dedication to working with seniors, and then with special needs kids through the Saskatoon School Board until her illness.

Linda had artistic talents, including sewing and quilting, and many received handmade gifts of love. She is greatly missed by her husband, Alvin; children Tim, Rebecca and Heather; other family and many friends.

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2016 Accredited Ministry Units Ottawa Grace Manor (OCE) London Centre of Hope (OGL) Glenbrook Lodge (NL) Buchanan Lodge (BC) Victoria Addictions and Rehabilitation Centre (BC) Meighen Health Centre (OCE) Southview Heights and Terrace (BC) Kelowna Community Church (BC) Bethany Hope Centre (OCE) Comox Valley Ministries (BC)

The Impact of John the Baptist

BY GENERAL BRAMWELL H. TILLSLEY (RTD) “Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”—Matthew 11:11

O

ur text brings to our attention one of the giants of biblical history. As early as Matthew 3:5 we are made aware of the great impact John the Baptist made upon his own generation: “People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan.”

He was the first prophetic voice which had been heard since the time of Malachi, 400 years previously. His message had a ring of authority and a note of assurance. He constantly pointed away from himself to the One who would come. Jesus referred to him as “a lamp that burned and gave light” (John 5:35), suggesting both passion and illumination. Truly he was God’s man for this hour. Jesus paid him the highest honour, saying that “among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John.” But what did he mean by adding “yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he”?

The key to the interpretation probably comes by contrasting “born of women” and “in the kingdom.” In his interview with Nicodemus, Jesus stated that no one can enter or even see the kingdom of God unless they are born of the Spirit (see John 3:3-5). John was constantly pointing forward to the time when this would be possible, although he personally remained in the dispensation of law. John said: “I baptize with water” (John 1:26), but Jesus “will baptize with the Holy Spirit” (John 1:33).

It was not until the Crucifixion and the Resurrection that one could really know the fullness of the gospel. This, John was not privileged to experience.

John went as far as he could in his own dispensation, but this was infinitely inferior to the dispensation of grace (see Hebrews 8). John may have known something of the holiness and justice of God, but not having seen the cross, he could not know the fullness of the love of God. Only in the cross do we see the heart of God, for the cross is truly a window in time which allows us to see what has eternally been in the heart of the Father. This, the least of the saints can know and experience.

Thus to be born into the kingdom is more important than the highest position the world can offer. John had the God-ordained task of pointing people to a greatness into which he himself did not fully enter. Perhaps, like Paul, you feel you are “less than the least of all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 3:8). Though least in the kingdom of heaven, you nevertheless remain a child of the King.

William Booth Special Care Home (PRA)

The Territorial Social Services Department celebrates these ministry units for meeting and exceeding organizational standards of mission delivery

Excerpt from It Is Written by General Bramwell H. Tillsley, available at store.salvationarmy.ca, 416-422-6100, orderdesk@can.salvationarmy.org. For the e-book, visit amazon.ca.

Salvationist March 2017 29

SALVATION STORIES

North of 60 From fear to faith in the Northwest Territories.

BY EILEEN J. WILSON

Photo: Claudine Kirby

Eileen Wilson was born in Aklavik, N.W.T., just north of the Arctic Circle

I

was born in Aklavik, N.W.T., just north of the Arctic Circle. We lived on the land—animals provided our food and clothing. In the summer, we fished and picked berries. In the winter, when the temperature dropped to -40 C, we trapped. I often went to check the traps with my dad. My other chores included collecting wood and water from the river, first chopping a hole in the ice.

At night, when it was cold and clear, the Aurora Borealis flashed across the sky.

I’m one of eight children. I learned the Gwich’in language from my grandmother, but didn’t speak it around my mother. She was forbidden to speak her language at residential school and punished if she did.

In 1957, when I was nine years old, my dad died of a heart attack and the next day, my grandmother, to whom I was very close, also died. Shortly after this, my mother went back into the hospital to be treated for tuberculosis. Five of my siblings and I were put into residential 30 March 2017 Salvationist

When my mother died, I felt so alone.

I went into the bedroom, got on my knees and asked God to help me. school. It wasn’t pleasant. I was taught not to look at people when talking to them.

After finishing school, I studied practical nursing in Calgary and worked in a hospital for a few years. I married and had four children.

Then one day, my mother was diagnosed with cancer and given 18 months to live. When she died, I felt so alone. I

went into the bedroom, got on my knees and asked God to help me. I started going to church regularly.

After my relationship ended, I felt God guiding me back to the Northwest Territories. He showed me that he was in control and would always be with me.

I was full of joy and got baptized.

Eventually, I remarried and had two more children. We lived in Yellowknife, where my boys asked if we could attend The Salvation Army. We were very happy there. In 2003, we moved to Whitehorse and continued going to the Army.

In 2010, I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and warned that I would have a heart attack. This scared me, as my father had died of a heart attack. I prayed about my fears and asked God to help me live with the uncertainty.

About four months later, I went to Vancouver for testing. A specialist told me that I would be on medication for the rest of my life. But when the test results came in, the report said my heart was normal. There was no damage! The specialist looked at the report and didn’t say anything.

Ten months later, I returned to the same specialist. He told me there was nothing wrong with my heart and took me off all the medication. He seemed surprised, but I know God healed me.

Today, I’m still in good health. I work full time at The Salvation Army adult resource centre in Whitehorse. I am busy with family and friends, I volunteer and I attend church. I give God thanks for always looking after me.

SOCIAL JUSTICE ISN'T A CLASS. IT’S A CALLING. EDUCATION FOR A BETTER WORLD

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MOBILIZE – NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

2017 DIVISIONAL CONGRESS & COMMISSIONING GLACIER ARENA • MOUNT PEARL

JUNE

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General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox International Leaders of The Salvation Army

SUPPORTED BY

Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle Chief of the Staff and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries

Commissioner Susan McMillan Territorial Commander, Canada and Bermuda

Featuring the Canadian Staff Band

Visit Salvationist.ca/MobilizeNL for congress details, schedule and information on discounted hotel rates For address changes or subscription information contact (416) 422-6119 or circulation@can.salvationarmy.org. Allow 4-6 weeks for changes. PM 40064794